About The Song
In the remarkable arc of Reba McEntire’s career, When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder, released in 2017 as part of her gospel album Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope, shines as a jubilant celebration of eternal hope. Written by James Milton Black in 1893, this classic hymn is revitalized through Reba’s spirited and heartfelt delivery, featured on a double-disc collection that soared to No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart and earned a 2018 Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album. For those who cherish music’s ability to inspire and comfort, this song is a triumphant proclamation, evoking memories of church revivals and the promise of heavenly reunion. Its lively melody and Reba’s vibrant vocals resonate deeply with mature listeners, who may have experienced it during her 2017 Ryman Auditorium performances or embraced it as a cornerstone of her gospel legacy.
The song bursts into life with a bright piano and a rousing gospel rhythm, produced by Reba alongside Doug Sisemore and Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts. The arrangement, featuring Jonathan Yudkin’s spirited fiddle and a robust choir, infuses the hymn with a modern country-gospel energy, driven by Chris McHugh’s lively percussion. Reba’s voice, rich with Oklahoma soul, carries the lyrics with infectious joy: “When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.” For those who first heard it on February 3, 2017, via Nash Icon Records, or witnessed its live rendition on the My Chains Are Gone DVD, it’s a nostalgic reminder of Reba’s gift for breathing fresh vitality into sacred classics, as noted on Spotify and Genius.
Lyrically, When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder is a cornerstone of gospel tradition, offering a vivid vision of salvation: “When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time shall be no more / And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair.” The verses, rooted in biblical imagery, celebrate the gathering of the faithful, as shared on Lyrics.com. For older listeners, who may have sung this hymn in rural churches or found solace in it during life’s trials, Reba’s rendition feels like a joyful homecoming, amplifying the song’s message of assurance and victory. A 2017 CCM Magazine review praised her “exuberant, authentic delivery,” noting its ability to uplift and unite listeners across generations.
Musically, the track is a masterclass in blending gospel’s fervor with country’s warmth. Recorded at Nashville’s Starstruck Studios, the arrangement’s hand-clapping rhythm and gospel choir harmonies create a communal, celebratory feel, as detailed on Shazam. Its performance at the Ryman, captured on YouTube, electrified audiences, with Reba’s commanding presence earning standing ovations, per Country Now. The song’s inclusion alongside hymns like I’ll Fly Away and originals like Back to God reflects Reba’s deep-rooted faith, shaped by her mother’s teachings, as she shared in a 2017 Taste of Country interview. Its resonance, echoed in covers by artists like Alan Jackson, underscores its enduring place in gospel’s canon.
For fans who’ve followed Reba’s journey—from her 1976 debut to her The Voice coaching and 2024 sitcom Happy’s Place—this track is a vibrant testament to her spiritual conviction. Whether rediscovered on SoundCloud or cherished on CD, When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder invites you to join its triumphant praise and find hope in its promise. It’s a reminder that gospel music, through Reba’s voice, can lift the spirit, offering a melody that carries the soul toward an eternal dawn.